Professional bowling was one of the leading sports in America in the 1960s & 1970s, which is when Harry Smith ‘49 was considered one of the most outstanding bowlers. He began his career in his teens competing throughout Cleveland. He would eventually perform with a team in Detroit followed by a move to St. Louis. Through this time his reputation grew to a point where his competitors called him “Tiger” due to his fierce competitiveness. Harry would go on to win 12 Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) titles and 3 American Bowling Congress (ABC) championships. His play earned him All-American status in 1959-60, 1962-63, and 1964-65. Over his career he bowled 12 sanctioned 300 games and had an 843 series. He would average 199 for 25 ABC tournament appearances. Bowler’s Journal International Magazine selected the 100 best bowlers of the 20th Century and placed Harry 37th on the list. His illustrious career would garner many honors from being a charter member of the PBA Hall of Fame, ABC Hall of Fame, and Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame to name just a few.

Bob Plzak was an excellent athlete at CFHS, as his nine letters in three sports attest. He was one of very few 4-year lettermen in football, playing tackle on the 1948 undefeated team. He was co-captain of his team in 1949 and an All-County Team selection that same year. He also earned three letters in track and two in basketball. Bob Plzak died in Korea in 1952 while serving as a medic in the United States Army.

Jack’s outstanding intellect and athleticism helped a group of football players soar to great heights at Chagrin Falls High School. He was captain of the 1947 team which finished undefeated (8-0) and champion of the Eastern Cuyahoga County League. The team had a new head coach, Ralph Quesinberry. Jack lettered three times in football. While a powerful inside runner, he kept opponents guessing with his ability to pass or punt. In 1947 jack scored 7 touchdowns and threw 11 touchdown passes from the single wing formation. He was also a tremendous linebacker on a defense that allowed only 22 points for that entire season. A Cleveland Press star, member of the County All-Star Team his senior year, and all conference during his junior and senior years, Jack accepted a full scholarship to play football at Princeton University.

The enormous voluntary contributions from Bob Roeder to the athletic programs in Chagrin Schools defy measurement, unless of course, we look, listen and remember. The press box and scoreboard we see at Harris Stadium, the lights by which we view the athletic events there, and the sound through which the action is communicated, are largely due to the efforts of Bob. With a background in electrical engineering, he set out in the late 1960’s to make sports in Chagrin safer and more accessible. He started by installing new sound and lighting systems at the Rec Center pool. Since 1970, he has periodically upgraded the sound and lighting systems at the football stadium. Bob was instrumental in the design and the construction of the new press box. He supervised the construction of the original “steps to the falls.” In 1964, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the Chagrin Valley Jaycees for his community efforts. If the sound system ever goes bad at Harris Stadium, Bob will probably be the first to know. He has been the familiar “Voice of the Tigers” football announcer for the past 26 years.

“Rompin’ Bill” earned his nickname on the gridiron where his many spectacular runs as a Tiger halfback and kick returner left fans gasping and defenders grasping. It is, however, in track and field that we are reminded of his superb athleticism. His long jump (21-21/2) has stood as a CFHS record for 60 years. In the spring of his senior year, Bill won a state championship in the 100 yard dash and placed second in the 220 yard dash. He also ran on the Tiger 880 yard relay team, which placed third in the state. He was an All-County football selection, playing on Ted Gurney’s 1930 undefeated team. In addition to his prowess in football and track, Bill lettered four years in basketball.